Home Decorating Guide: Shelf Decorating

Glass, crystal and silver objects make shelf arrangements shine — literally. A mirror placed at the back or bottom of a shelf will double the visual effect of the objects placed in front or on top, says designer Nancy Barsotti, ASID fellow.

Rather than hiding the family silver in a dining cabinet, author and home emporium owner Mary Carol Garrity urges to pull it out, shine it up and display it on open shelves — either as a collection or by using individual pieces paired with rougher objects for contrast and interest. "I love the shine of silver next to a more primitive piece," she says.